Exercising before breakfast aids weight loss, say researchers

People who exercise before breakfast could lose weight at least 20 percent faster than those who eat after working out, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of Northumbria came to this conclusion by putting a sample group of twelve physically active males through a series of morning workouts.

Some were made to fast overnight before their treadmill workout, while others ate breakfast 90 minutes before engaging in their morning run. The group were given a milkshake to aid recovery, then soon after were asked to eat a pasta lunch until they were comfortably full.

According to nationalpost.com, the group who fasted overnight tended to eat 20 percent less than those who had consumed a breakfast. The survey suggests that a workout first thing in the morning could be a great way to curb appetite and therefore lose weight.

Attempting to explain the results, the researchers pointed out that burning more fat than you consume is a key factor to weight loss.

Lead researcher Javier Gonzalez told digitaljournal.com: "Exercise increases the total amount of energy we expend and a greater proportion of this energy comes from existing fat if the exercise is performed after an overnight fast.